Streptococci and the Genital Tract

Abstract

Summary: Streptococci of Lancefield Group B (GBS) are known to cause maternal sepsis and neonatal infection, whereas streptococci Lancefield Group A (GAS) cause vulvo-vaginitis in both children and adults. Prevalence of SGB colonization of the lower genital tract of normal women is between 4-18%, with higher rates found in hospital personnel and delivery rooms. Such high carriage rates may be a significant factor in nosocomial transmission of GBS to neonates. Symptomatic infection is uncommon and usually secondary to other pathological states. Amnionitis is a complication of vaginal carriage of GBS and there is now evidence that chorioamnionitis is associated with pre-term labour and its attendant problems. GBS infection of the male genitalia has also been described. Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis has been shown to prevent early onset GBS disease of the neonate. Prevalence of GAS in the genital tract is lower than that for GBS, but is more likely to be symptomatic. The response to penicillin is usually prompt. Optimal drug regimens need to be determined, particularly for use in pregnancy.

Patients with Vaginal Discharge: A Survey in a University Primary Care Clinic in Riyadh City

“…1,8,29 Neither infection showed any significant association with the suspected risk factor, in contrast to other studies. 21,30 Possibly, the small numbers of isolates could explain the absence of statistical significance.…”

“…National and international comparisons are hampered because of the different methodology of studies. The majority of studies investigated the prevalence of each organism separately, 1,6,7,8 while others studied high-risk population groups. 1,9,10 In this study, the finding of G. vaginalis as the most commonly isolated organism, with a prevalence rate of 28%, is in agreement with other studies that showed different rates ranging from 9% to 53%.…”

“…The clinical presentation of vaginal discharge due to Streptococcus infection was whitish, thick, creamy and sometimes watery, contrasting with the classic description. 8 T. vaginalis discharge was also described as whitish, thick and creamy. Frothiness was reported in 24% of the cases, even higher than in other studies.…”

Penoscrotal elephantiasis: Case report

“…Group B beta-haemolytic streptococci are known to colonise the throat and lower female genital tract; prevalence is 4% to 18% [14]. Other causative organisms include Staphylococcus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacteroides spp., Candida and anaerobic streptococci.…”

Comparison of cervico-vaginal colonization among sexually active women by intrauterine device use

“…In view of the relatively low carriage rate in normal flora, these findings suggest that Enterobacteriacea, Enterococcus spp., or S. agalactiae have roles in the infection and should not be considered as part of the normal vaginal flora in symptomatic women with microscopic evidence of inflammation [5]. The causitive role of S. aureus in vulvovaginitis has not been well researched, since the bacteria is known to colonize the genital tract in 4%-18% of healthy women [27]. Some studies showed that it is related to vaginal symptoms and signs [28].…”